Transit Packaging

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a transit packaging for storage and shipping of packaged goods articles. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a secondary packaging particularly suitable for temporarily packaging discrete packaged goods articles, and which is also suitable for displaying said packaged goods articles.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a transit packaging for storage andshipping of packaged goods articles. More specifically, the presentinvention is directed to a secondary packaging particularly suitable fortemporarily packaging discrete packaged goods articles, and which isalso suitable for displaying said packaged goods articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transit packaging for containing, storing and transporting packagedgoods articles is commonly known in the art. Commonly used transitpackaging consists in substantially rectangular outercases typicallymade of corrugated paperboard. In that context, cardboard packaging hasbeen extensively used for the transportation and display of packagedgoods. These secondary packages shall be able to flow through thedistribution channels undamaged. However, the current packaging practicerelies in large part on the structural strength and rigidity of theexterior carton per se, with consequent damage to the integrity of thetransit packaging, under the stresses resulting from the static anddynamic forces of transportation. Actually, the available, intrinsicstrengths of the package contents are not utilized with that of thepackage per se to provide a robust integrated package unit. This failureto optimize package strength led to the use of cardboard outercases ofundue strength, rigidity and complexity, with correspondingly highprofile cardboard and glue content. It has now become of majorimportance to all manufacturing companies to reduce packaging material,not only for cost but also for ecological reasons.

Examples of packaging that partially address these drawbacks have beenprovided with for example in U.S. Pat. No. 3,817,018, US 2007/0108090,US 2006/0207905 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,056 which disclose packagingsystems having reduced cardboard content and which exploit the intrinsicstrength of the package content. The described packaging solutionshowever suffer from a rather complex manufacturing and are adapted foruse with substantially rigid packaged goods articles such as bottles,tinned cans or carton boxes. Also, the described packages may lead todamages to the integrity of the contained packaged items. To ourknowledge, similar transit packages have not yet been described forgoods articles individually packaged in semi-rigid or flexiblecontainers such as bags or pouches.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide atransit package suitable for containing, storing and transportingpackaged goods articles, which is easy to manufacture and operate, whileproviding efficient protection for the contained items.

It has now been found that the above objective can be met by providing apackage assembly according to the present invention.

Advantageously, the package assembly according to the present inventionoptimizes packaging material and storage volume. A further advantageassociated with the package assembly according to the present inventionis that it may be quickly and easily disassembled after shipment so asto render the contained packaged goods articles ready-to-display. It isstill another benefit of the present invention that the package assemblypreserves the aesthetic appearance of the transported packaged goodsarticles.

Other advantages and more specific properties of the package assemblyaccording to the present invention will be clear after reading thefollowing description of the invention in combination with the attacheddrawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a package assembly 1 comprising:

-   -   (a) a carrying member 2;    -   (b) a covering member 3;    -   (c) a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 arranged on the        carrying member 2 in mutually organized relation; and    -   (d) at least one binding means 5 for securing the packaged goods        articles 4 in integrated relation with the carrying member 2 and        the covering member 3 to form a structural unit;        wherein said carrying member 2 comprises three distinct panels        6, said covering member 3 comprises three distinct panels 6, and        where any one individual panel of said three distinct panels 6        of said carrying member 2 is substantially identical in shape        and dimension to the corresponding panel on said covering member        3.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to kit for apackage assembly 1 containing a multiplicity of packaged goods articles4 comprising:

-   -   (a) a first blank 11 for forming a carrying member 2;    -   (b) a second blank 12 for forming a covering member 3;    -   (c) at least one binding means 5 for securing the packaged goods        articles 4 in integrated relation with the carrying member 2 and        the covering member 3 to form a structural unit;    -   (d) a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4;        wherein said carrying member 2 comprises three distinct panels        6, said covering member 3 comprises three distinct panels 6, and        where any one individual panel of said three distinct panels 6        of said carrying member 2 is substantially identical in shape        and dimension to the corresponding panel on said covering member        3.

In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to method ofassembling a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 comprising thesteps of:

-   -   (a) providing a first blank 11 for forming a carrying member 2;    -   (b) providing a second blank 12 for forming a covering member 3;    -   (c) providing a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4        arranged on the carrying member 2 in mutually organized        relation;    -   (d) providing at least one binding means 5 for securing the        packaged goods articles 4 in integrated relation with the        carrying member 2 and the covering member 3 to form a structural        unit;    -   (e) forming said first blank 11 into the carrying member 2;    -   (f) forming said second blank 12 into the covering member 3;    -   (g) arranging said multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 on        the carrying member 2 in mutually organized relation;    -   (h) placing the covering member 3 onto the multiplicity of        packaged goods articles 4 arranged into the carrying member 2;    -   (i) securing the packaged goods articles 4 in integrated        relation with the carrying member 2 and the covering member 3 by        using the at least one binding means 5 so as to form a        structural unit.

The present invention further encompasses a process of displaying amultiplicity of packaged goods articles 4, wherein the process comprisesthe steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a package assembly 1 as described above;    -   (b) un-securing the packaged goods articles 4 in integrated        relation with the carrying member 2 and the covering member 3 by        de-activating the at least one binding means 5; and    -   (c) removing the covering member 3 from the multiplicity of        packaged goods articles 4 arranged into the carrying member 2.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures represent preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view representing a package assembly 1according to the present invention, wherein said package assembly 1comprises a carrying member 2, a covering member 3, a multiplicity ofpackaged goods articles 4, and a binding means 5.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a carrying member 2 displaying amultiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 extending in a substantiallyhorizontal manner.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a carrying member 2 displaying amultiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 extending in a substantiallyvertical manner and secured together with a retaining means 18.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a packaged goods article 4 accordingto one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a carrying member 2, and a coveringmember 3 according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a blank first 11 for forming a carrying member2, and a second blank 12 for forming a covering member 3;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles of thepresent invention, reference will be made to the embodiment illustratedin the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclosesspecific forms as examples of the invention. However, the invention isnot intended to be limited to the embodiment so described.

Definitions

By “hod-type configuration” it is meant herein that when said threedistinct panels 6 are folded in the required manner, the resultingcarrying member 2 or covering member 3 will substantially take the formof a hod, as depicted e.g. in FIG. 5.

By “substantially identical in shape and dimension” in relation toindividual panels of said three distinct panels 6, it is meant hereinthat the length and the width of an individual panel of said threedistinct panels 6 of said carrying member 2 is substantially identicalto the length and width of the corresponding panel of said threedistinct panels 6 of corresponding covering member 3 and is independentof any other additional elements such as cutouts, holes, perforations,tabs, flaps or handles.

In a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to a packageassembly 1 comprising:

-   -   (a) a carrying member 2;    -   (b) a covering member 3;    -   (c) a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 arranged on said        carrying member 2 in mutually organized relation; and    -   (d) at least one binding means 5 for securing said packaged        goods articles 4 in integrated relation with said carrying        member 2 and said covering member 3 to form a structural unit;        wherein said carrying member 2 comprises three distinct panels        6, said covering member 3 comprises three distinct panels 6, and        where any one individual panel of said three distinct panels 6        of said carrying member 2 is substantially identical in shape        and dimension to the corresponding panel on said covering member        3.

In another embodiment, the carrying member 2 and the covering member 3are substantially identical in shape and dimension and are provided withthree distinct panels 6.

Carrying Member 2

According to the present invention, the package assembly 1 comprises acarrying member 2 provided with three distinct panels 6. Accordingly,the carrying member 2 preferably comprises a base panel 13 and two sidepanels 14, as represented in FIG. 5. As represented in FIG. 6, thecarrying member 2 is typically formed by folding and operating in therequired manner a first blank 11 integrally comprising said threedistinct panels 6. Any one individual panel of said three distinctpanels 6 of a first blank 11, said first blank 11 being used to form thecarrying member 2, should be substantially similar in shape anddimension to the corresponding panel of said three distinct panels 6 ofa second blank 12, in which said second blank 12 is used to formcovering member 3. The manufacture of said carrying member 2 from saidfirst blank 11 will typically involve operations selected from the groupof folding upon pre-determined hinge lines, gluing, stapling,tucking-in, and combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art ofpackaging will easily recognize how to form a carrying member 2according to the present invention from said first blank 11.

In another embodiment, the carrying member 2 and the covering member 3are substantially identical in shape and dimension and are provided withthree distinct panels 6.

The first blank 11 for use herein may be formed from any material wellknown in the art of packaging. Suitable materials for use hereincomprise but are not limited to cardboard, paperboard, carton, bleachedkraft, newsboard, chipboard, corrugated board, foldable plastic and anyother flexible material well known by those skilled in the art ofpackaging. Preferably, the first blank 11 for use herein is made fromcardboard or paperboard, more preferably from cardboard, and mostpreferably from corrugated cardboard.

Suitable first blank 11 may have any suitable configuration, form ordimension for accommodating the multiplicity of packaged goods articles4 intended to be transported. Suitable first blank 11 for forming thecarrying member 2 according to the invention will easily be recognizedby those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, said threedistinct panels 6 have a shape selected from the group of substantiallyrectangular, substantially square, substantially triangular, andcombinations thereof. According to an even more preferred embodiment,said three distinct panels 6 have a substantially square shape, althoughthe present invention is not so limited. Even more preferably, saidthree distinct panels 6 are substantially identical in shape anddimension.

According to still a preferred embodiment, said three distinct panels 6extend at a substantially right angle from each other.

In another embodiment, any one of said individual panels of said threedistinct panels 6 can independently comprise one or more additionalelements, such as tabs, flaps, holes, indentations, cutouts,perforations or handles.

Referring to FIG. 5, a carrying member 2 according to a preferredembodiment of the invention is represented, wherein said carrying member2 is shown in a “hod-type” configuration. Said carrying member 2comprises a base panel 13 and two side panels 14. According to thepreferred execution depicted in FIG. 5, the three distinct panels 6consecutively have two hinges 7 in common with each other.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a first blank 11 for forming a carrying member2 according to a preferred execution of the present invention, isillustrated in an unfolded form. Said first blank 11 may advantageouslybe provided with fold lines 15 suitably located on said first blank 11and represented in the attached figures in dotted lines. Suitablelocation, configuration, shape and dimension for said fold lines 15 willbe easily recognized by those skilled in the art of packaging. Saidpre-determined fold lines 15 may be applied to the first blank 11 usingany suitable means well known in the art of packaging. Suitable meansinclude but are not limited to folding machines. Alternatively, saidpre-determined hinge 7 may be formed manually.

In still another preferred execution of the invention, said first blank11 may be further provided with additional locking tabs 16, which areintended to facilitate the erection of said first blank 11 into saidcarrying member 2. Alternatively, first blank 11 for use in the presentinvention may be provided with other suitable means for facilitating andsecuring the erection of said first blank 11 into said carrying member2. Such means include, but are not limited to, hook, pin, nail, pressurebutton, zip-type locking system, Velcro® type fastening means, andcombinations thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, said carryingmember 2 is made from such a material and is provided in such a way thatsaid carrying member 2 may be conveniently disposed after usage. Inaccordance to a more preferred embodiment, said carrying member 2 ismade from such a material and is provided in such a configuration thatthe latter may be reused for repeated cycles.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, said carryingmember 2 is provided with indicia 17, preferably selected from the groupof tradename, brandname, manufacturing company name, subnomen, slogan,flavour characteristics, colour, texturing, logo, instructions, andcombinations thereof. More preferably, said indicia 17 are present ontothe surface of said carrying member 2 which is visible to an outsideobserver. Even more preferably, said indicia 17 are applied to theexternal surface of said side panels 14.

Covering Member 3

According to the present invention, the package assembly 1 comprises acovering member 3 which comprises three distinct panels 6, and where anyone of said individual panels of said three distinct panels 6 of saidcovering member 3 is substantially identical in shape and dimension tothe corresponding panel on said carrying member 2.

In a one embodiment, the carrying member 2 and the covering member 3 aresubstantially identical in shape and dimension and are provided withthree distinct panels 6.

Preferably, said covering member 3 preferably comprises a base panel 13and two side panels 14, as represented in FIG. 5. Typically, thecovering member 3 is formed by folding and operating, in the requiredmanner, a second blank 12 integrally comprising said three distinctpanels 6, as represented in FIG. 6

Other features as described above relating to the carrying member 2 arefully applicable to said covering member 3.

By providing a covering member 3 comprising three distinct panels 6,where any one of said individual panels of said three distinct panels 6of said covering member 3 is substantially identical in shape anddimension to the corresponding panel on said carrying member 2, globallogistics and inventory operations such as assembling, wrapping,binding, palletization, transportation, storage, displaying at allpoints of the supply chain are greatly facilitated.

Packaged Goods Articles

According to the present invention, the package assembly 1 furthercomprises a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4. A wide variety ofgoods articles, such as consumable goods, are sold to consumers inpackaged form on a mass production basis. Any such packaged goodsarticles may be used in the context of the present invention. Exemplaryconventional packaging formats include, but are not limited to, flexiblebags, semi-flexible bags, rigid bags, pouches, carton or plastic boxes,canisters, bottles, tubes, and combinations thereof. For particularapplications, the packaging is selected in accordance with the productbeing contained and/or consumer preferences. Preferably, packaged goodsarticles 4 for use in the present invention are selected from the groupof flexible bags, semi-flexible bags, and combinations thereof.

For particular applications, the packaging format is selected inaccordance with the product being contained and/or consumer preferences.In the context of the present invention, goods articles for use hereinmay take any form commonly known in the field of consumable goods.Exemplary forms include, but are not limited to, granule, powder,agglomerate, solid, paste, gel, cream, liquid, paper products, absorbentarticles, and combinations thereof. Preferably, said goods articles takea form selected from the group of granules, powder, agglomerates, andcombinations thereof. More preferably, said goods articles take the formof granules. Even more preferably, said goods articles are selected fromlaundry granules.

Binding Means 5

The package assembly 1 according to the present invention furthercomprises at least one binding means 5. By “binding means”, it isherewith intended to designate any means capable of securing saidpackaged goods articles 4 in integrated relation with said carryingmember 2 and said covering member 3 to form a structural unit.

Any such binding means 5 suitable for use in the context of the presentinvention will be easily recognized by those skilled in the art ofpackaging. Typically, binding means 5 for use in the present inventionwill provide appropriate elastic tensile force which in turn will allowsaid packaged goods articles 4, said carrying member 2 and said coveringmember 3 to be compressed together and integrated into a substantiallyrigid structural unit. Examples of suitable binding means 5 for useherein include, but are not limited to, straps; self-adhering straps;adhesive tapes; elastic banding of tape; elastic banding provided withfastening means selected from hook, pin, nail, pressure button, zip-typelocking system, Velcro® type system, and combinations thereof; shrinkwrap; and combinations thereof. Typical material for forming saidbinding means 5 include, but are not limited to plastic, woven fabric,wood, rope fibers, paper, nylon, metal, wire, heat and chemicallyshrinkable materials, and combinations thereof. According to a preferredexecution of the invention, said binding means 5 is selected from thegroup of straps, preferably from plastic strapping. Accordingly, in thecontext of the present invention, it is preferred to use so-calledtensioned binding means 5 which permit said packaged goods articles 4,said carrying member 2 and said covering member 3 to be secured in acompressing relation. The use of binding means 5 possessing suitableelasticity facilitates both manual and machinedeconstruction/reconstruction of the package assembly 1 according to thepresent invention.

Binding means 5 for use in the present invention may be applied usingany techniques commonly know in the art of packaging. According to apreferred execution, said binding means 5 may be advantageously appliedusing commonly known strapping machines. According to an alternativeexecution whereby self-adhering tapes are used, such tapes may bemanually applied using commonly known taping devices.

In the context of the present invention, binding means 5 may be appliedaccording to any configuration commonly known to those skilled in theart of packaging. As a way of example, said at least one binding means 5may be applied horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or combinationsthereof. Preferably, said binding means 5 is applied in a crossedfashion, which allows for prevention of skewing of the packaged goodsarticles 4, under load conditions. According to a preferred execution,the package assembly 1 of the present invention comprises two bindingmeans 5, preferably in the form of plastic straps. According to an evenmore preferred embodiment, the two binding means 5 are applied in across-type configuration as represented in FIG. 1, wherein twointer-crossed binding means 5 are used to compress together saidcarrying member 2 and said covering member 3 into an integratedstructural unit.

In another embodiment, said binding means 5 could be interlaced with orbound, using techniques commonly known in the art of packaging, to oneor more said individual panel(s) of said three distinct panels 6, ofboth or one of said carrying member 2 and said covering member 3.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, said binding means5 is made from such a material and is provided in such a configurationthat said binding means 5 may be conveniently and easily dismantledafter usage. Preferably, said binding means 5 may be easily cut-off withsuitable cutting devices.

In a preferred execution, the binding means 5 for use in the presentinvention may be used to carry indicia 17 as above-described.Preferably, suitable indicia 17 are selected from the group oftradename, brandname, manufacturing company name, subnomen, slogan,flavour characteristics, variant characteristics, colour, texturing,logo, instructions, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment,said binding means 5 is used to display advertising messages or productidentification. More preferably, said indicia 17 are present onto thesurface of said binding means 5 which is visible to an outside observer.In an alternative embodiment of the invention, said binding means 5 maybe configured and positioned in such a way that it may beneficially beused as a handle for the overall package assembly 1.

In the context of the present invention, it has been surprisinglydiscovered that package assembly 1 provide a transit package suitablefor containing, storing and transporting packaged goods articles, whichis easy to manufacture and operate, while providing efficient protectionfor the contained items.

As the package assembly 1 of the present invention is based upon theprinciple of combining the structure and rigidity of the packaged goodsarticles 4 with the structure of the package per se (which comprises thecarrying member 2 and the covering member 3), using at least one bindingmeans 5 for securing said packaged goods articles 4 in integratedrelation with said carrying member 2 and said covering member 3 to forma structural unit, it is permitted to use a significantly reducedpackaging material. The package assembly 1 according to the presentinvention shall preferably be seen as a structural unit having enhancedload bearing and load sharing capability.

The use of reduced surface of packaging materials, and of discontinuouspackage surfaces is particularly helpful in providing improved packageventilation, in the changing of packaged product temperature, withassociated savings in plant and operating costs. Incidentally, andaccording to the present invention, the package assembly 1 presentsminimized material overlap, preferably substantially no packagingmaterial overlap. Moreover, the package assembly 1 of the presentinvention is scalable from very small to very large products and isperfectly suitable for palletization, transportation, storage anddisplay at all points of the supply chain.

Further benefits associated with the package assembly 1 of the presentinvention are: simplicity of manufacturing; improved flexibility andcapability of accommodating load variability; faster shelf transfer dueto reduced de-packaging requirements; reduction in material returnshipment or discard; enhanced re-use of packaging; facilitation andsimplification of product handling from pallet to shelf; improvedaccessibility of and removal of packaged products out from the secondarypackaging; significant manpower reduction.

The simplicity of manufacturing the packaging assembly 1 of the presentinvention combined with the overall reduction in packaging materials andthe improved handling and transfer of packaged goods articles 5translate into a significant reduction of the overall costs for theshipment and transit of packaged goods articles 5. Additionally, thepackaging assembly 1 of the present invention permits preserving theaesthetic aspect of the packaged goods articles 4. More specifically,the shipped packaged goods articles 4 are received at the point ofdelivery with substantially no wrinkles.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the packagingassembly 1 may further comprise a retaining means 18 the purpose ofwhich is to secure the packaged goods articles 4 together so as toensure better overall stability and optimized volume occupation of saidpackaged goods articles 4 in the package assembly 1 of the presentinvention. Suitable retaining means 18 for use herein include, but arenot limited to, straps; self-adhering straps; adhesive tapes; elasticbanding of tape; elastic banding provided with fastening means selectedfrom hook, pin, nail, pressure button, zip-type locking system, Velcro®type system, and combinations thereof; shrink wrap; and combinationsthereof.

Kit for a Package Assembly 1

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is provideda kit for a package assembly 1 containing a multiplicity of packagedgoods articles 4 comprising:

-   -   (a) a first blank 11 for forming a carrying member 2;    -   (b) a second blank 12 for forming a covering member 3;    -   (c) at least one binding means 5 for securing said packaged        goods articles 4 in integrated relation with said carrying        member 2 and said covering member 3 to form a structural unit;    -   (d) a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4        wherein said carrying member 2 comprises three distinct panels        6, said covering member 3 comprises three distinct panels 6, and        where any one individual panel of said three distinct panels 6        of said carrying member 2 is substantially identical in shape        and dimension to the corresponding panel on said covering member        3.

In another embodiment, the carrying member 2 and the covering member 3are substantially identical in shape and dimension and are provided withthree distinct panels 6.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the kit mayfurther comprise a retaining means 18 as above-described.

Method of Assembling Packaged Goods Articles 4

According to still another embodiment, the present invention is directedto a method of assembling a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a first blank 11 for forming a carrying member 2;    -   (a) providing a second blank 12 for forming a covering member 3;    -   (b) providing a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4        arranged on said carrying member 2 in mutually organized        relation;    -   (c) providing at least one binding means 5 for securing said        packaged goods articles 4 in integrated relation with said        carrying member 2 and said covering member 3 to form a        structural unit;    -   (d) forming said first blank 11 into said carrying member 2;    -   (e) forming said second blank 12 into said covering member 3;    -   (f) arranging said multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 on        said carrying member 2 in mutually organized relation;    -   (g) placing said covering member 3 onto said multiplicity of        packaged goods articles 4 arranged into said carrying member 2;    -   (h) securing said packaged goods articles 4 in integrated        relation with said carrying member 2 and said covering member 3        by using said at least one binding means 5 so as to form a        structural unit.

As above-indicated, said carrying member 2 and said covering member 3may be quickly, easily and intuitively erected from the correspondingflat first blank 11 and flat second blank 12, without exercising anyexcessive skills. Optionally, instructions for erecting said carryingmember 2 and said covering member 3 may be printed on or otherwiseprovided with directly onto said flat first blank 11 or said flat secondblank 12 to assist the operator.

According to a preferred embodiment wherein said packaged goods articles4 take the form of flexible bags, as represented in FIG. 4, the abovestep consisting in arranging said multiplicity of packaged goodsarticles 4 on said carrying member 2 in mutually organized relation ispreferably operated by stacking said packaged goods articles 4 on thecarrying member 2 in a substantially horizontal manner with respect tosaid carrying member 2. In accordance with this preferred embodiment,said flexible bags typically define opposite side regions 8 extendingbetween the opposing major faces, wherein said major faces comprise afront panel 9 and a back panel 10. In the context of the method ofassembling a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4, the step ofarranging said packaged goods articles 4 preferably consists in stackingsaid packaged goods articles 4 in a major face-to-major face fashionwith the corresponding packaged goods articles 4 resting on one of theirmajor faces, preferably on their back panel 10.

In the context of the present invention, it has been surprisinglydiscovered that the method of assembling packaged goods articles 4according to the invention not only provides efficient protection forthe contained articles, but also permits optimum volume occupation whilealso preserving the aesthetic aspect of the packaged goods articles 4.In particular, the specific step of arranging said packaged goodsarticles 4 on the carrying member 2 in a substantially horizontal mannerwith respect to said carrying member 2, allows said major faces toremain unaffected during the overall shipping operation. Morespecifically, and according to the method of the present invention, theshipped packaged goods articles 4 are received at the point of deliverywith substantially no wrinkles. Without being bound by theory, it isbelieved that the specific step of arranging said packaged goodsarticles 4 on said carrying member 2 in a substantially horizontalmanner with respect to said carrying member 2, leads to a verticalcompression effect which in turn creates a sort of ironing effect on themajor faces of the corresponding packaged goods articles 4.Incidentally, the step of arranging said packaged goods articles 4 onsaid carrying member 2 in a substantially horizontal manner with respectto said carrying member 2, leads to a more homogeneous distribution ofthe goods articles which in turn permits a better volume occupation ofsaid packaged goods articles 4 in the overall package assembly 1 of thepresent invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the method of assemblinga multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 further comprises theadditional step of securing said packaged goods articles 4 with asuitable retaining means 17 as above-described. Preferably, saidadditional step is operated right before or alternatively right afterthe step of arranging said multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 onsaid carrying member 2 in mutually organized relation. More preferably,said additional step is operated right before the step of arranging saidmultiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 on said carrying member 2 inmutually organized relation.

Process of Displaying Packaged Goods Articles 4

According to still a further embodiment of the present invention, it isprovided a process of displaying a multiplicity of packaged goodsarticles 4, wherein the process comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a package assembly 1 as above described;    -   (b) un-securing the packaged goods articles 4 in integrated        relation with the carrying member 2 and the covering member 3 by        de-activating the at least one binding means 5; and    -   (c) removing the covering member 3 from the multiplicity of        packaged goods articles 4 arranged into the carrying member 2.

As above-mentioned, the package assembly 1 according to the presentinvention may be quickly and easily disassembled after shippingoperation so as to render the contained packaged goods articlesready-to-display. This is permitted when merely applying the process asabove described. Accordingly, the package assembly 1 of the presentinvention also serves favorably for display purposes of individualpackaged goods articles 4, by the simple action of de-activating the atleast one binding means 5 and removing the covering member 3. Typicallyat a retail location a retailer would formerly have to slash the regularcase and place packaged goods individually on the shelf, while with theprocess of displaying of the present invention, the entire packageassembly 1 (with binding means 5 de-activated and the covering member 3removed) may be preferably placed directly on the shelf.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said packaged goodsarticles 4 are displayed upstanding (i.e. in a vertical fashion). Thisis particularly preferred according to the preferred embodiment of theinvention whereby the multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 arearranged on the carrying member 2 in a mutually organized relation andin a substantially horizontal manner with respect to the carrying member2. In accordance with this preferred embodiment, it is ensured that themajor faces of the packaged goods articles 4 are substantially preservedfrom damages resulting from transportation (e.g. wrinkle-free). As aresult, when said packaged goods articles 4 are operated from asubstantially horizontal position towards being displayed upstanding, itis ensured that the integrality of the major faces of said packagedgoods articles 4 are substantially wrinkle-free and therefore thisallows maximizing usage of the major faces as surface for communicatinginformation to consumers. This is believed to be a major improvementover transportation with regular outer cases whereby the transportedpackaged goods articles are typically provided with wrinkles and deepfolds, especially the top of the major faces when the packaged goodsarticles rest in a vertical fashion, and generally require somemanipulations to re-shape the transported items.

In a preferred embodiment, the package assembly 1 according to thepresent invention minimizes and preferably obviates the step of manuallyre-shaping the packaged goods articles after transportation, and beforearranging said packaged goods articles 4 on the shelves.

Incidentally, and due to the particular configuration of the packageassembly 1 of the invention, the product handling from package to shelf,or from package to consumer is greatly facilitated. The process ofdisplaying a multiplicity of packaged goods articles 4 of the inventionenables the package content to be bulk-transferred to the shelf in thecarrying member 2, in a readily viewable and hand-accessible condition,without further unpackaging. This obviates the current practice ofcarton slashing with a box cutter. As for the consumer, he/she mayeasily access and take the packaged goods articles 4 out from thecarrying member.

Depending upon the specific binding means 5, suitable means foroperating the step of un-securing the packaged goods articles 4 byde-activating the at least one binding means 5, will readily be apparentto those skilled in the art of packaging. Preferably, the step ofun-securing the packaged goods articles 4 in integrated relation withthe carrying member 2 and the covering member 3 by de-activating the atleast one binding means 5, is operated by an action selected from thegroup of cutting, tearing-apart, undoing, untying, unlocking, slacking,ungluing, and combinations thereof. According to a preferred execution,said de-activation step is operated by cutting said binding means 5,although the present invention is not that limited.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated byreference, the meaning of definition assigned to that term in thisdocument shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A package assembly (1) comprising: (a) a carrying member (2); (b) acovering member (3); (c) a multiplicity of packaged goods articles (4)arranged on said carrying member (2) in mutually organized relation; and(d) at least one binding means (5); wherein said packaged goods articles(4) in integrated relation with said carrying member (2) and saidcovering member (3) are secured using said binding means (5) to form astructural unit, and wherein said carrying member (2) comprises threedistinct panels (6), said covering member (3) comprises three distinctpanels (6), and where any one individual panel of said three distinctpanels (6) of said carrying member (2) is substantially identical inshape and dimension to the corresponding panel on said covering member(3).
 2. A package assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said threedistinct panels (6) extend at a substantially right-angle from eachother.
 3. A package assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein saidthree distinct panels (6) are arranged in a hod-type configuration.
 4. Apackage assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said three distinctpanels (6) said panels are formed of material selected from the groupconsisting of corrugated cardboard, cardboard, paperboard, fiber board,carton, foldable plastic, and combinations thereof.
 5. A packageassembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said packaged goods articles(4) take a form selected from the group consisting of flexible bags,semi-flexible bags, and combinations thereof.
 6. A package assembly (1)according to claim 5, wherein said flexible bags further define oppositeside regions (8) extending between the opposing major faces, whereinsaid major faces comprise a front panel (9) and a back panel (10), andwhereby upon final assembly, said front panel (9) extends in asubstantially horizontal manner relative to the carrying member (1). 7.A package assembly (1) according to claim 1, which further comprises aretaining means (18) for securing said packaged goods articles (4)together.
 8. A kit for a package assembly (1) containing a multiplicityof packaged goods articles (4) comprising: (a) a first blank (11) forforming a carrying member (2); (b) a second blank (12) for forming acovering member (3); (c) at least one binding means (5) for securingsaid packaged goods articles (4) in integrated relation with saidcarrying member (2) and said covering member (3) to form a structuralunit; (d) a multiplicity of packaged goods articles (4); wherein saidkit can be arranged to form said package assembly (1), and wherein saidcarrying member (2) comprises three distinct panels (6), said coveringmember (3) comprises three distinct panels (6), and where any oneindividual panel of said three distinct panels (6) of said carryingmember (2) is substantially identical in shape and dimension to thecorresponding panel on said covering member (3).
 9. A kit according toclaim 8, which further comprises a retaining means (18) for securingsaid packaged goods articles (4) together.
 10. A method of assembling amultiplicity of packaged goods articles (4) comprising the steps of: (a)providing a first blank (11) for forming a carrying member (2); (b)providing a second blank (12) for forming a covering member (3); (c)providing a multiplicity of packaged goods articles (4) arranged on saidcarrying member (2) in mutually organized relation; further comprisingthe steps of: (d) providing at least one binding means (5) for securingsaid packaged goods articles (4) in integrated relation with saidcarrying member (2) and said covering member (3) to form a structuralunit; (e) forming said first blank (11) into said carrying member (2);(f) forming said second blank (12) into said covering member (3); (g)arranging said multiplicity of packaged goods articles (4) on saidcarrying member (2) in mutually organized relation; (h) placing saidcovering member (3) onto said multiplicity of packaged goods articles(4) arranged into said carrying member (2); (i) securing said packagedgoods articles (4) in integrated relation with said carrying member (2)and said covering member (3) by using said at least one binding means(5) so as to form a structural unit;
 11. A method according to claim 10,which further comprises the step of securing said packaged goodsarticles (4) with a suitable retaining means (18).
 12. A methodaccording to claim 10, wherein said packaged goods articles (4) take aform of flexible bags, wherein said flexible bags further defineopposite side regions (7) extending between the opposing major faces,wherein said major faces comprise a front panel (8) and a back panel(9), and whereby upon final assembly, said packaged goods articles (4)are stacked in a substantially horizontal manner relative to thecarrying member (2), preferably with the corresponding packaged goodsarticles (4) resting on one of their major faces, more preferably ontheir back panel
 9. 13. A process of displaying a multiplicity ofpackaged goods articles (4) packaged in a package assembly (1), whereinsaid process comprises the steps of: (a) un-securing said packaged goodsarticles (4) in integrated relation with a carrying member (2) and acovering member (3) by de-activating said at least one binding means(5); and (b) removing said covering member (3) from said multiplicity ofpackaged goods articles (4) arranged into said carrying member (2);wherein said package assembly (1) is the package assembly according toany of claims 1 to 7, and wherein said process results in saidmultiplicity of packaged goods articles (4) arranged into said carryingmember (2) being ready for display.
 14. A process according to claim 13,wherein said multiplicity of packaged goods articles (4) are arranged onsaid carrying member (2) in a substantially horizontal manner withrespect to said carrying member (2), wherein said process furthercomprises the step of operating said packaged goods articles (4) fromsaid substantially horizontal position towards being displayed in anupstanding manner.
 15. A process according to claim 13, wherein saiddeactivation step of said at least one binding means (5) is operated bycutting said at least one binding means (5).